Iot security service

ABSTRACT

The disclosed technology is generally directed to device security in an IoT environment. For example, such technology is usable in IoT security. In one example of the technology, a set of security rules that is associated with an expected condition of at least one IoT device is stored. IoT data associated with the at least one IoT device is received. The IoT data may be aggregated data that includes at least two different types of data. A determination is made, based on the IoT data, as to whether the set of security rules has been violated. An alert is selectively sent based on the determination.

BACKGROUND

The Internet of Things (“IoT”) generally refers to a system of devicescapable of communicating over a network. The devices can includeeveryday objects such as toasters, coffee machines, thermostat systems,washers, dryers, lamps, automobiles, and the like. The networkcommunications can be used for device automation, data capture,providing alerts, personalization of settings, and numerous otherapplications.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Briefly stated, the disclosed technology is generally directed to devicesecurity in an IoT environment. For example, such technology is usablein IoT security. In one example of the technology, a set of securityrules that are associated with an expected condition of at least one IoTdevice is stored. IoT data associated with the at least one IoT deviceis received. The IoT data may be aggregated data that includes at leasttwo different types of data. A determination is made, based on the IoTdata, as to whether the set of security rules has been violated. Analert is selectively sent based on the determination.

Some examples of the disclosure include a system to monitor, detect andmitigate security threats to IoT devices using telemetry about the IoTdevice security state, and using other environmental data from other IoTdevices. In some examples, telemetry data from multiple IoT devices inthe environment is used, and a model of the environment is formed. Insome examples, the resulting model is used to detect security threatssuch as intrusions and tampering.

Other aspects of and applications for the disclosed technology will beappreciated upon reading and understanding the attached figures anddescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples of the present disclosure aredescribed with reference to the following drawings. In the drawings,like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified. These drawings are not necessarilydrawn to scale.

For a better understanding of the present disclosure, reference will bemade to the following Detailed Description, which is to be read inassociation with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a suitableenvironment in which aspects of the technology may be employed;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one example of a suitablecomputing device according to aspects of the disclosed technology;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system for IoTsecurity;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example dataflow for a process forIoT security; and

FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an example of a processfor IoT security, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of, and enabling description for, various examples of thetechnology. One skilled in the art will understand that the technologymay be practiced without many of these details. In some instances,well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described indetail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of examples ofthe technology. It is intended that the terminology used in thisdisclosure be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even thoughit is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certainexamples of the technology. Although certain terms may be emphasizedbelow, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restrictedmanner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this DetailedDescription section. Throughout the specification and claims, thefollowing terms take at least the meanings explicitly associated herein,unless the context dictates otherwise. The meanings identified below donot necessarily limit the terms, but merely provide illustrativeexamples for the terms. For example, each of the terms “based on” and“based upon” is not exclusive, and is equivalent to the term “based, atleast in part, on”, and includes the option of being based on additionalfactors, some of which may not be described herein. As another example,the term “via” is not exclusive, and is equivalent to the term “via, atleast in part”, and includes the option of being via additional factors,some of which may not be described herein. The meaning of “in” includes“in” and “on.” The phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in one example,” asused herein does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment orexample, although it may. Use of particular textual numeric designatorsdoes not imply the existence of lesser-valued numerical designators. Forexample, reciting “a widget selected from the group consisting of athird foo and a fourth bar” would not itself imply that there are atleast three foo, nor that there are at least four bar, elements.References in the singular are made merely for clarity of reading andinclude plural references unless plural references are specificallyexcluded. The term “or” is an inclusive “or” operator unlessspecifically indicated otherwise. For example, the phrases “A or B”means “A, B, or A and B.” As used herein, the terms “component” and“system” are intended to encompass hardware, software, or variouscombinations of hardware and software. Thus, for example, a system orcomponent may be a process, a process executing on a computing device,the computing device, or a portion thereof. The term “IoT hub” is notlimited to one particular type of IoT service, but refers to the deviceto which the IoT device communicates, after provisioning, for at leastone IoT solution or IoT service of any type. That is, the term “IoThub,” as used throughout the specification and the claims, is generic toany IoT solution.

Briefly stated, the disclosed technology is generally directed to devicesecurity in an IoT environment. For example, such technology is usablein IoT security. In one example of the technology, a set of securityrules that is associated with an expected condition of at least one IoTdevice is stored. IoT data associated with the at least one IoT deviceis received. The IoT data may be aggregated data that includes at leasttwo different types of data. A determination is made, based on the IoTdata, as to whether the set of security rules has been violated. Analert is selectively sent based on the determination.

In some applications, IoT devices tend to be deployed remotely,potentially in adverse environments. Frequently such devices may not bephysically accessible to the operators or owners to the device. Suchdevices may also be “in the wild” so that they are unattended andphysically available to the public with no physical monitoring. physicalsupervision, or physical security, and thus people may be able tophysically tamper with the devices. It may be possible for someone totransfer malware to such a device, steal a certificate from such adevice, or the like. Examples of the disclosure monitor the security ofthe devices, detect intrusions and/or threats to the device, and/orcommunicate such intrusions and/or threats to a remote party, e.g., asystem or operator who might be able to mitigate the intrusion and/orthreat.

Some examples of the disclosure include a system to monitor, detect,and/or mitigate security threats to IoT devices using telemetryinformation about the IoT device security state, using telemetry data,and using other environmental data from other IoT devices. In someexamples, data collection agents are deployed on IoT devices, and thesensor data generated by such IoT devices is used to model and detectsecurity threats to the IoT devices. These data collection agents may beconfigured remotely using configuration data.

In some examples, multiple agents on various IoT devices can be used tocollect various types of data which can then be used conjunctively toform a more holistic model of device operation, and intrusion. In someexamples, agent data from the IoT device itself is used to report thesecurity state of the IoT device. In some examples, agent data from acollection of devices is used to form a model of the operatingenvironment. In some examples, telemetry data from multiple IoT devicesin the environment is used and a model of the environment is formed.

In some examples, the resulting model is used to detect security threatssuch as intrusions and/or tampering.

Illustrative Devices/Operating Environments

FIG. 1 is a diagram of environment 100 in which aspects of thetechnology may be practiced. As shown, environment 100 includescomputing devices 110, as well as network nodes 120, connected vianetwork 130. Even though particular components of environment 100 areshown in FIG. 1, in other examples, environment 100 can also includeadditional and/or different components. For example, in certainexamples, the environment 100 can also include network storage devices,maintenance managers, and/or other suitable components (not shown).Computing devices 110 shown in FIG. 1 may be in various locations,including on premise, in the cloud, or the like. For example, computerdevices 110 may be on the client side, on the server side, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, network 130 can include one or more network nodes120 that interconnect multiple computing devices 110, and connectcomputing devices 110 to external network 140, e.g., the Internet or anintranet. For example, network nodes 120 may include switches, routers,hubs, network controllers, or other network elements. In certainexamples, computing devices 110 can be organized into racks, actionzones, groups, sets, or other suitable divisions. For example, in theillustrated example, computing devices 110 are grouped into three hostsets identified individually as first, second, and third host sets 112a-112 c. In the illustrated example, each of host sets 112 a-112 c isoperatively coupled to a corresponding network node 120 a-120 c,respectively, which are commonly referred to as “top-of-rack” or “TOR”network nodes. TOR network nodes 120 a-120 c can then be operativelycoupled to additional network nodes 120 to form a computer network in ahierarchical, flat, mesh, or other suitable types of topology thatallows communications between computing devices 110 and external network140. In other examples, multiple host sets 112 a-112 c may share asingle network node 120. Computing devices no may be virtually any typeof general- or specific-purpose computing device. For example, thesecomputing devices may be user devices such as desktop computers, laptopcomputers, tablet computers, display devices, cameras, printers, orsmartphones. However, in a data center environment, these computingdevices may be server devices such as application server computers,virtual computing host computers, or file server computers. Moreover,computing devices 110 may be individually configured to providecomputing, storage, and/or other suitable computing services.

In some examples, one or more of the computing devices 110 is an IoTdevice, a gateway device, a device that comprises part or all of an IoThub, a device comprising part or all of a device portal service, or thelike, as discussed in greater detail below.

Illustrative Computing Device

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one example of computing device 200 inwhich aspects of the technology may be practiced. Computing device 200may be virtually any type of general- or specific-purpose computingdevice. For example, computing device 200 may be a user device such as adesktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a displaydevice, a camera, a printer, or a smartphone. Likewise, computing device200 may also be server device such as an application server computer, avirtual computing host computer, or a file server computer, e.g.,computing device 200 may be an example of computing device 110 ornetwork node 120 of FIG. 1. Computing device 200 may also be an IoTdevice that connects to a network to receive IoT services. Likewise,computer device 200 may be an example any of the devices illustrated inor referred to in FIGS. 3-5, as discussed in greater detail below. Asillustrated in FIG. 2, computing device 200 includes processing circuit210, operating memory 220, memory controller 230, data storage memory250, input interface 260, output interface 270, and network adapter 280.Each of these afore-listed components of computing device 200 includesat least one hardware element.

Computing device 200 includes at least one processing circuit 210configured to execute instructions, such as instructions forimplementing the herein-described workloads, processes, or technology.Processing circuit 210 may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller,a graphics processor, a coprocessor, a field-programmable gate array, aprogrammable logic device, a signal processor, or any other circuitsuitable for processing data. The aforementioned instructions, alongwith other data (e.g., datasets, metadata, operating systeminstructions, etc.), may be stored in operating memory 220 duringrun-time of computing device 200. Operating memory 220 may also includeany of a variety of data storage devices/components, such as volatilememories, semi-volatile memories, random access memories, staticmemories, caches, buffers, or other media used to store run-timeinformation. In one example, operating memory 220 does not retaininformation when computing device 200 is powered off. Rather, computingdevice 200 may be configured to transfer instructions from anon-volatile data storage component (e.g., data storage component 250)to operating memory 220 as part of a booting or other loading process.

Operating memory 220 may include 4th generation double data rate (DDR₄)memory, 3rd generation double data rate (DDR₃) memory, other dynamicrandom access memory (DRAM), High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), Hybrid MemoryCube memory, 3D-stacked memory, static random access memory (SRAM), orother memory, and such memory may comprise one or more memory circuitsintegrated onto a DIMM, SIMM, SODIMM, or other packaging. Such operatingmemory modules or devices may be organized according to channels, ranks,and banks. For example, operating memory devices may be coupled toprocessing circuit 210 via memory controller 230 in channels. Oneexample of computing device 200 may include one or two DIMMs perchannel, with one or two ranks per channel. Operating memory within arank may operate with a shared clock, and shared address and commandbus. Also, an operating memory device may be organized into severalbanks where a bank can be thought of as an array addressed by row andcolumn. Based on such an organization of operating memory, physicaladdresses within the operating memory may be referred to by a tuple ofchannel, rank, bank, row, and column.

Despite the above-discussion, operating memory 220 specifically does notinclude or encompass communications media, any communications medium, orany signals per se.

Memory controller 230 is configured to interface processing circuit 210to operating memory 220. For example, memory controller 230 may beconfigured to interface commands, addresses, and data between operatingmemory 220 and processing circuit 210. Memory controller 230 may also beconfigured to abstract or otherwise manage certain aspects of memorymanagement from or for processing circuit 210. Although memorycontroller 230 is illustrated as single memory controller separate fromprocessing circuit 210, in other examples, multiple memory controllersmay be employed, memory controller(s) may be integrated with operatingmemory 220, or the like. Further, memory controller(s) may be integratedinto processing circuit 210. These and other variations are possible.

In computing device 200, data storage memory 250, input interface 260,output interface 270, and network adapter 280 are interfaced toprocessing circuit 210 by bus 240. Although, FIG. 2 illustrates bus 240as a single passive bus, other configurations, such as a collection ofbuses, a collection of point to point links, an input/output controller,a bridge, other interface circuitry, or any collection thereof may alsobe suitably employed for interfacing data storage memory 250, inputinterface 260, output interface 270, or network adapter 280 toprocessing circuit 210.

In computing device 200, data storage memory 250 is employed forlong-term non-volatile data storage. Data storage memory 250 may includeany of a variety of non-volatile data storage devices/components, suchas non-volatile memories, disks, disk drives, hard drives, solid-statedrives, or any other media that can be used for the non-volatile storageof information. However, data storage memory 250 specifically does notinclude or encompass communications media, any communications medium, orany signals per se. In contrast to operating memory 220, data storagememory 250 is employed by computing device 200 for non-volatilelong-term data storage, instead of for run-time data storage.

Also, computing device 200 may include or be coupled to any type ofprocessor-readable media such as processor-readable storage media (e.g.,operating memory 220 and data storage memory 250) and communicationmedia (e.g., communication signals and radio waves). While the termprocessor-readable storage media includes operating memory 220 and datastorage memory 250, the term “processor-readable storage media,”throughout the specification and the claims whether used in the singularor the plural, is defined herein so that the term “processor-readablestorage media” specifically excludes and does not encompasscommunications media, any communications medium, or any signals per se.However, the term “processor-readable storage media” does encompassprocessor cache, Random Access Memory (RAM), register memory, and/or thelike.

Computing device 200 also includes input interface 260, which may beconfigured to enable computing device 200 to receive input from users orfrom other devices. In addition, computing device 200 includes outputinterface 270, which may be configured to provide output from computingdevice 200. In one example, output interface 270 includes a framebuffer, graphics processor, graphics processor or accelerator, and isconfigured to render displays for presentation on a separate visualdisplay device (such as a monitor, projector, virtual computing clientcomputer, etc.). In another example, output interface 270 includes avisual display device and is configured to render and present displaysfor viewing.

In the illustrated example, computing device 200 is configured tocommunicate with other computing devices or entities via network adapter280. Network adapter 280 may include a wired network adapter, e.g., anEthernet adapter, a Token Ring adapter, or a Digital Subscriber Line(DSL) adapter. Network adapter 280 may also include a wireless networkadapter, for example, a Wi-Fi adapter, a Bluetooth adapter, a ZigBeeadapter, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) adapter, or a 5G adapter.

Although computing device 200 is illustrated with certain componentsconfigured in a particular arrangement, these components and arrangementare merely one example of a computing device in which the technology maybe employed. In other examples, data storage memory 250, input interface260, output interface 270, or network adapter 280 may be directlycoupled to processing circuit 210, or be coupled to processing circuit210 via an input/output controller, a bridge, or other interfacecircuitry. Other variations of the technology are possible.

Some examples of computing device 200 include at least one memory (e.g.,operating memory 220) adapted to store run-time data and at least oneprocessor (e.g., processing unit 210) that is respectively adapted toexecute processor-executable code that, in response to execution,enables computing device 200 to perform actions. In some examples,computing device 200 is enabled to perform actions such as the actionsin the process of FIG. 4 or FIG. 5 below, or actions in a processperformed by one or more of the computing devices in FIG. 3 below.

Illustrative System

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system (300) forIoT communications. System 300 may include network 330, IoT hub 351, IoTdevices 341-343, gateway devices 311 and 312, and device portal service313, which all connect to network 330. As previously discussed, the term“IoT hub” is not limited to one particular type of IoT service, butrefers to the device to which the IoT device communicates, afterprovisioning, for at least one IoT solution or IoT service of any type.That is, the term “IoT hub,” as used throughout the specification andthe claims, is generic to any IoT solution. The term “IoT device” refersto a device that makes use of, or is intended to make use of, IoTservices. An IoT device can include virtually any device that connectsto the cloud to use IoT services, including for telemetry collection orany other purpose. Device portal service 313 includes one or moredevices that provide a device portal. The term “IoT hub” refers to adevice, or multiple devices such as a distributed system, to which IoTdevices connect via the network for IoT services.

Each of the IoT devices 341-343, gateway devices 311 and 312, and/or thedevices that comprise IoT hub 351 and/or device portal service 313 mayinclude examples of computing device 200 of FIG. 2. FIG. 3 and thecorresponding description of FIG. 3 in the specification illustrates anexample system for illustrative purposes that does not limit the scopeof the disclosure.

Network 330 may include one or more computer networks, including wiredand/or wireless networks, where each network may be, for example, awireless network, local area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN),and/or a global network such as the Internet. On an interconnected setof LANs, including those based on differing architectures and protocols,a router acts as a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent fromone to another. Also, communication links within LANs typically includetwisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication links betweennetworks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractionaldedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, IntegratedServices Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs),wireless links including satellite links, or other communications linksknown to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, remote computers andother related electronic devices could be remotely connected to eitherLANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephone link. In essence,network 330 includes any communication method by which information maytravel between IoT hub 351, IoT devices 341-343, gateway devices311-312, and device portal service 313.

As one example, IoT devices 341-343 are devices that are intended tomake use of IoT services provided by one or more IoT hubs, such as IoThub 351. Device portal service 313 includes a device or multiple devicesthat perform actions in providing a device portal to users of IoTdevices.

Optional gateway devices 311 and 312 are devices that may be used bysome of the IoT devices 341-343 for accessing IoT hub 351. In someexamples, after provisioning, some or all of the IoT devices 341-343communicate to IoT hub 351 without using an intermediary. In otherexamples, some or all of the IoT devices 341-343 communicate with IoThub 351 using an intermediary device such as one or more of gatewaydevices 311 and 312. Device portal service 313 is a service which may beused by users of IoT devices to manage IoT services for IoT devicesincluding IoT devices 341-343.

System 300 may include more or less devices than illustrated in FIG. 3,which is shown by way of example only.

Illustrative Processes

For clarity, the processes described herein are described in terms ofoperations performed in particular sequences by particular devices orcomponents of a system. However, it is noted that other processes arenot limited to the stated sequences, devices, or components. Forexample, certain acts may be performed in different sequences, inparallel, omitted, or may be supplemented by additional acts orfeatures, whether or not such sequences, parallelisms, acts, or featuresare described herein. Likewise, any of the technology described in thisdisclosure may be incorporated into the described processes or otherprocesses, whether or not that technology is specifically described inconjunction with a process. The disclosed processes may also beperformed on or by other devices, components, or systems, whether or notsuch devices, components, or systems are described herein. Theseprocesses may also be embodied in a variety of ways. For example, theymay be embodied on an article of manufacture, e.g., asprocessor-readable instructions stored in a processor-readable storagemedium or be performed as a computer-implemented process. As analternate example, these processes may be encoded asprocessor-executable instructions and transmitted via a communicationsmedium.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example dataflow for a process (420)for IoT authentication. FIG. 4 and the corresponding description of FIG.4 in the specification illustrate an example process for illustrativepurposes that do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

In the illustrated example, first, step 421 occurs. At step 421, IoT hub451 stores a set of security rules that is associated with an expectedcondition of at least one IoT device (e.g., IoT device 441). In someexamples, the set of security rules is based upon an assessment of IoTdata associated with at least one IoT device (e.g., IoT device 441). Theset of security rules stored may differ, for example, based on the typeof IoT device, upon the particular deployment context, and otherfactors. The set of security rules is discussed in greater detail below(after the discussion of the IoT data collected at step 424 below).

As shown, step 422 occurs next in some examples. In step 422, aconfiguration request may be generated by device portal service 413 andthen the configuration request may be communicated from device portalservice 413 to IoT hub 451. The configuration request may be associatedwith adjusting the set of security rules stored in IoT hub 451. In someexamples, the configuration request is a request to change a set ofsecurity rules to an adjusted set of security rules. The configurationrequest can be made in different ways in different examples. In someexamples, there is a basic mode in which the default set of securityrules is used, and there is also an advanced setting where the user canmake a configuration request to change default set of security rules. Asshown, step 423 occurs next in some examples. At step 423, IoT hub 451may adjust the set of security rules stored in IoT hub 451 based on theconfiguration request received from device portal service 413 at step422.

As shown, step 424 occurs next in some examples. At step 424, IoT device441 receives and collects environmental data from the environment, e.g.,the environment in the vicinity of IoT device 441, and collects dataabout the internal security state of IoT device 441. The environmentaldata may include telemetry data, data indicating whether or not IoTdevice 441 has been physically tampered with, and/or the like. Thetelemetry data may include temperature, humidity, occupancy of alocation associated with the IoT device, geolocation, and/or the like.The data about the internal security state of IoT device 441 may includeoperating system (OS) version, current state of the active processes,open ports, internet protocol (IP) addresses of devices connected,and/or the like. The data may be collected via software inputs, hardwareinputs, or both.

The telemetry data collected at step 424 may include telemetry that theIoT device already collects in some examples. For example, an IoT devicethat is a temperature sensor may already be configured to collecttemperature data.

IoT device 441 may have one or more tampering switches that detectphysical tampering. In one example, the tampering switch is off if IoTdevice 441 has not been physically tampered with, and the tamperingswitch is on if IoT device 441 has been physically tampered with. Theenvironmental data may include an indication as to whether the tamperingswitch is on or off. For instance, in some examples, IoT device 441 hasa cover that is connected to two tampering switches. If the cover isopened, both tampering switches turn on.

In some examples, IoT device 441 may include a software agent thatcollects the environmental data and the data about the internal securityof IoT device 441. In some examples, IoT device 441 has a software datacollection agent deployed on IoT device 441 to collect environmentaland/or internal state data. In some examples, some or all of the IoTdevices have a software data collection agent deployed on the IoT deviceto collect environmental and/or internal state data from the IoTdevices.

The set of security rules stored in IoT hub 451 is based on a model ofthe normal behavior of the IoT devices (e.g., 441 and/or 341-434 of FIG.3). This model may represent the state of the IoT devices while thesedevices are working under normal conditions. In some examples, the setof security rules acts as a configurable IoT device model. The set ofrules may be defined such that the set of rules is violated if an attackor other security intrusion or security threat occurs.

For example, the IoT devices may be subject to various types of securityattacks which may be classified into two categories: cyber attacks andphysical attacks. Cyber-attacks include attacks on the cyber propertiesof the devices, such as on the operating system, network infrastructure,connection, and data. Physical attacks include attacks such as physicaltampering of the devices, manipulation of data generation elements ofthe devices, relocation, and the like. In some examples, the set ofsecurity rules is generated or adjusted such that violation of the setof security rules indicates at least a possibility of an attack (e.g., aphysical attack or a cyber attack) on one or more IoT devices.Accordingly, once any of these attacks occur, a violation of the set ofrules should occur in one example since the data collected from thedevices will then be contrary to the model. The model may include one ormore patterns for the telemetry data.

Accordingly, the set of security rules may define normal operatingconditions which, if not met, may indicate the possibility of a securitythreat. For example, the set of security rules may be violated if one ormore of the data elements is outside of an expected range. For example,the set of security rules may require that temperature is in a certainrange, that the tampering switch is off, that certain blacklistedprocesses are not running, and/or the like. Expected ranges or expecteddiscrete values may be contingent upon time of day and other factors. Insome examples, rather than simply comparing each type of data such astemperature or the like to an expected range (or expected discretevalue) individually, the set of security rules are based on multipletypes of data considered together, based on a model. For instance, insome examples, temperature in the environment above the expected rangemight not result in a violation of the security rules unless there isalso occupancy in the environment.

In some examples, the set of security rules are based on a model of theenvironmental and internal security data collected by the IoT devices,where the model effectively provides a “golden” image of the expecteddata. The golden image may reflect normal behavior of the IoT devices innormal operating conditions absent any intrusion or security threat. If,based on the received IoT data, some aspects differ from the goldenimage, the set of rules might be considered to be violated depending onother data. For instance, accordingly to the golden image for anoccupancy sensor of a particular room in the mall, the occupancy sensorshould not show occupancy during certain hours in which no one isexpected to be present in the mall. However, the rules may specify that,for example, if the mall gate is open and the guard is still present inthe mall, then the occupancy at the unexpected time does not trigger aviolation of the set of security rules. In some examples, data frommultiple IoT devices may be involved in the model and set of securityrules in order to determine whether or not the set of rules have beenviolated. By using data from multiple IoT devices, a more holistic modelof device operation and operating environment and intrusion may be usedthan if the model were based upon one IoT device.

In some examples, the set of security rules include one or both of awhitelist of processes and a blacklist of processes. The whitelist andblacklist of processes may be useful in determining whether or not anIoT device has been infected by malware. A “whitelist” of process refersto a list of approved processes, and a “blacklist” of processes refersto a list of prohibited processes.

In some examples, the collected IoT data, including collected telemetrydata, can be used to assist in constructing the model in order to createor adjust the set of security rules.

As shown, step 425 occurs next in some examples. At step 425, IoT device441 may make a determination as to whether or not to send data to IoThub 451. In some examples, at step 425, IoT device 441 simply determinesto always send all of the data to IoT hub 451. In some examples, data isonly sent upon a threshold based on one of more of the types of databeing exceeded.

For instance, in some examples, IoT device 441 makes a determination tosend temperature data only if the temperature detected is outside of apredetermined range, such as 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. In some examples,the fact that the temperature is outside of the range of 65-75 degreesFahrenheit is not in and of itself a violation of the security rules—IoTdevice 441 does not make the determination about whether or not the setof security rules are violated, in this example, but only sendstemperature data upon temperature being outside of a particular range,and for which therefore there might be a violation of the set ofsecurity rules depending on other factors.

As shown, step 426 occurs next in some examples when the determinationat step 425 is positive. At step 426, the IoT data may be communicatedfrom IoT device 441 to IoT hub 451. If, in contrast, the determinationat step 426 is negative, other processing is resumed.

As shown, step 427 occurs next after step 426 in some examples. At step427, IoT hub 451 makes a determination, based on the IoT data receivedat step 426, as to whether the set of security rules stored in IoT hub451 has been violated. In some examples, the determination at step 427is a comparison of the aggregated IoT device data with the configurableIoT device model.

As shown, step 428 occurs next in some examples. At step 428, IoT hub451 selectively sends an alert to device portal service 413 based on thedetermination at step 427. If at step 427 it was determined that the setof rules were violated, IoT hub 451 communicates an alert to deviceportal service 413. If instead at step 427 it was determined that theset of rules were not violated, IoT hub 451 does not send out an alert.

If IoT device 441 becomes disconnected from the cloud, data cannot becollected from IoT device 441, but the fact that IoT device 441 isdisconnected from the cloud is itself a form of information and in someexamples an alert may result from IoT device 441 being disconnected fromthe cloud.

In some examples, the set of security rules may be further adjusted overtime, both to reduce false positives, and to successfully detect attacksthat might otherwise not be detected. In some examples, IoT hub 451includes a learning layer that learns from anomalies and adapts bychanging the set of security rules over time and learning over time.

In some examples, rather than sending the IoT data directly to IoT hub451, IoT device 441 sends the data to a gateway device (e.g., gatewaydevice 311 or 312 of FIG. 3). In some examples, the gateway device,rather than IoT device 441, makes the determination as to whether or notto send the IoT data to IoT hub 451. In some examples, multipledifferent IoT devices (e.g., 341-343 of FIG. 3) send IoT data to onegateway device, which aggregates the data before determining whether andwhich IoT data to send on to IoT hub 451.

In some examples, at step 428, rather than simply sending out an alert,other details, including, for example, information about the nature ofthe attack or threat, as far as can be determined, is also communicatedfrom IoT hub 451 to device portal service 413 along with the alert. Forexample, if IoT hub 451 determines both through GPS that a device hasbeen moved and from other IoT data that malware has been installed, thenthe nature of this attack can be communicated from IoT hub 451 to deviceportal service 413, which is potentially a different scenario than ifonly one of these two events had occurred. Aggregate data from multipleIoT devices can also be used, when applicable, to further describe thenature of the security threat in a communication from IoT hub 451 todevice portal service 413.

FIG. 5 is a logical flow diagram illustrating an example of a process(590) for IoT authentication. In one example, process 590 is performedby an IoT hub, such as IoT hub 351 of FIG. 1. After a start block, theprocess proceeds to block 591. At block 591, a set of security rulesthat is associated with an expected condition of at least one IoT deviceis stored. The process then moves to block 592. At block 592, IoT dataassociated with the at least one IoT device is received. The IoT datamay be aggregated data that includes at least two different types ofdata. The process then proceeds to decision block 593.

At decision block 593, a determination is made, based on the IoT data,as to whether the set of security rules has been violated. If thedetermination at decision block 593 is negative, the process proceeds areturn block, where other processing is resumed. If, instead thedetermination at decision block 593 is positive, the process advances toblock 594, where an alert is sent. For instance, in some examples, thealert is sent a device portal service. The process then proceeds to areturn block, where other processing is resumed. In this way, an alertis selectively sent based on the determination at decision block 593.

CONCLUSION

While the above Detailed Description describes certain examples of thetechnology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter howdetailed the above appears in text, the technology can be practiced inmany ways. Details may vary in implementation, while still beingencompassed by the technology described herein. As noted above,particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspectsof the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology isbeing redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects with which that terminology is associated. Ingeneral, the terms used in the following claims should not be construedto limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed herein,unless the Detailed Description explicitly defines such terms.Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only thedisclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing orimplementing the technology.

We claim:
 1. An apparatus for Internet of Things (IoT) security,comprising: an IoT hub including one or more devices, the devicesincluding at least one memory adapted to store run-time data for thedevices, and at least one processor that is adapted to executeprocessor-executable code that, in response to execution, enables theIoT hub to perform actions, including: storing a set of security rulesthat are associated with an expected condition of at least one IoTdevice; receiving IoT data associated with the at least one IoT device,wherein the IoT data is aggregated data that includes at least twodifferent types of data; making a determination, based on the IoT data,as to whether the set of security rules has been violated; andselectively sending an alert based on the determination.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1, the actions further including: receiving aconfiguration request; and adjusting the set of security rules based onthe configuration request.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the IoTdata is received from a data collection agent deployed on the at leastone IoT device.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least oneIoT device includes a plurality of IoT devices, and wherein the IoT datais received from data collection agents deployed on the plurality of IoTdevices.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of security rulesinclude at least one of a whitelist of processes and a blacklist ofprocesses.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the IoT data includes astate of a tampering switch on the at least one IoT device.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the IoT data is aggregated from multipleIoT devices including the at least one IoT device.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the aggregated data of the IoT data includesenvironmental data and internal state data.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the environmental data includes at least one of temperature,humidity, sensed location, or geolocation.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8,wherein the internal data includes at least one of operating systemversion, a current state of active processes, open ports, or informationassociated with devices connected to the at least one IoT device. 11.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the set of security rules are suchthat violation of the set of security rules indicates at least apossibility of an attack, wherein the attack is at least at least one ofa physical attack or a cyber attack on the at least one IoT device. 12.The apparatus of claim 11, selectively sending the alert based on thedetermination further includes selectively sending information about theattack with the alert.
 13. A method for Internet of Things (IoT)security, comprising: generating a configurable IoT device model;receiving aggregated IoT device data from at least one IoT device,wherein the aggregated data IoT device data includes at least twodifferent types of data; employing at least one processor to compare theaggregated IoT device data with the configurable IoT device model; andselectively sending an alert based on the comparison.
 14. The method ofclaim 13, wherein the at least one IoT device includes a plurality ofIoT devices, and wherein the aggregated IoT device data is received fromdata collection agents deployed on the plurality of IoT devices.
 15. Themethod of claim 13, wherein the aggregated data IoT device data includesenvironmental data and internal state data.
 16. The method of claim 13,further comprising: receiving a configuration request; and adjusting theconfigurable IoT device model based on the configuration request.
 17. Amethod for Internet of Things (IoT) security, comprising: employing atleast one processor to generate a configuration request, wherein theconfiguration request is a request to change a set of security rules toan adjusted set of security rules, wherein the adjusted set of securityrules is associated with an expected condition of at least one IoTdevice, wherein the adjusted set of security rules is based upon anassessment of IoT data associated with the at least one IoT device, andwherein the IoT data is aggregated data that includes at least twodifferent types of data sending the configuration request to an IoT hub;and receiving an alert from the IoT hub upon the IoT hub making adetermination that the adjusted set of security rules has been violated.18. The method of claim 17, wherein the adjusted set of security rulesare based upon an assessment of IoT data associated with the at leastone IoT device such that the at least one IoT device is a plurality ofIoT devices.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the aggregated data ofthe IoT data includes environmental data and internal data.
 20. Themethod of claim 19, wherein the environmental data includes at least oneof temperature, humidity, sensed location, or geolocation, and whereinthe internal data includes at least one of operating system version, acurrent state of active processes, open ports, or information associatedwith devices connected to the at least one IoT device.